Town Business Liaison Committee

Town of Vienna 127 Center Street S Vienna, VA. 22180 p. 703-255-6300 TTY 8111 Meeting Minutes Town Business Liaison Committee Thursday, February 10, 2022 7:00 PM Charles A. Robinson, Jr. Town Hall, 127 Center Street, South 1. Roll Call Natalie Monkou, Manager, Economic Development called roll. Members present: Vice Chairman Jennifer Kiefhaber; Mark Lander; Peggy James; Deepa Chakrapani; Robert Holland; Jennifer Marrow Absent: Robert Leggett Staff Present: Natalie Monkou, Economic Development Manager. 2. Approval of the Minutes A. TBLC-22166 Acceptance of January 20, 2022, Meeting Minutes The minutes of January 20, 2022, were approved. Motion, Mark Lander; second, Deepa Chakrapani. Motion carried by all present. 3. New Business A. TBLC-22161 Introduction of New Member Jen Morrow A. Vice Chairman Kiefhaber introduced new member Jen Morrow owner, Bairds Alley. Ms. Morrow thanked the committee for the opportunity to help other business owners and the Town to thrive. B. TBLC-22169 TBLC Member Updates Committee Member Chakrapani pointed out that her six-year term limit will conclude in August, 2022 when she will no longer be allowed to serve. Committee Member Kiefhaber also noted that with her term expiration in March 2022, she will no longer be able to serve. With these upcoming vacancies. Robert Holland agreed to remain on the Committee for an additional year. Manager Monkou reported that Mayor Colbert has requested the addition of a second vice chair. A motion was made to nominate Deepa Chakrapani as second vice chair. Motion, Committee Member Robert Holland; second, Committee Member, Mark Lander. Motion carried by all present. 4. Regular Business A. TBLC-22162 Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 7/15/2022 Town Business Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes February 10, 2022 Update on New Member Recruitment Efforts Members reported on potential recruits. Economic Development Manager Natalie Monkou noted that she had received at least three emails indicating interest in joining TBLC. Relevant emails that are received by Ms. Monkou will be sent to TBLC membership recruitment members in the future. In addition, Peggy James, ex-officio Committee Member, noted that she will reach out to the owner of Mud Tree Designs. B. TBLC-22164 Update on Welcoming New Businesses Members discussed the letter created by Peggy James, ex-officio Committee Member. In addition, Robert Holland, Committee Member noted the additional items that could be included when meeting one-on-one with businesses. TBLC members also discussed making the business spreadsheet clearer for member assignments and sending emails to home-based businesses with the Economic Development Manager copied. C. TBLC-22163 Internship Program with Madison High School Members discussed the ongoing effort to partner with Madison High School on their existing internship program. Members noted the benefits and challenges of working with this program and the need to communicate clearly to businesses about the effort, preparation, and guidance necessary to make the internship experience successful for all parties. This pilot project is still undergoing conversations with high school leadership and the Town. D. TBLC-22165 Compiling Exceptional Efforts and Initiatives by Town Businesses Members noted ways to keep up to date with business community impact and special initiatives including but not limited to discussions when meeting new businesses, surveys, and communicating through social media and the Town’s newsletters (print and digital). E. TBLC-22168 Carole Wolfand Award 2022 & Town Website Members discussed the need to have the award displayed on the Town’s website. Action Item: Jenni Kiefhaber, Vice-Chair, and Peggy James, ex-officio Committee Member, will work together to create text for the Economic Development Manager to include on the Town’s website. 5. Economic Development Manager Updates A. TBLC-22167 Upcoming Projects and Relevant Town Council Meetings Economic Development Manager Natalie Monkou noted upcoming Town Council meetings that would be relevant to the business community within the next two months. Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 7/15/2022 Town Business Liaison Committee Meeting Minutes February 10, 2022 6. Meeting Adjournment Vice Chairman Kiefhaber called for a motion to adjourn. Motion, Committee Member, Deepa Chakrapani; second, Committee Member Robert Holland. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM. THE TOWN OF VIENNA IS COMMITTED TO FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STANDARDS. TRANSLATION SERVICES, ASSISTANCE OR ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS FROM PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE TO BE REQUESTED NOT LESS THAN 3 WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE EVENT. PLEASE CALL (703) 255-6304, OR 711 VIRGINIA RELAY SERVICE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 7/15/2022